Protect Your Dog From Dognappers: 8 Tips You Need To Know Now

Every dog owner should follow some basic safety tips to protect their dogs from one of dog parents’ biggest fears–dognappers. Thieves know that it can be profitable to steal dogs and sell them online, and you need to make sure it doesn’t happen to your pup. Some dog thieves go so far as to disguise themselves as fake animal control officers. It’s up to you to keep your dog safe.

Microchip Your Dog

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

Any dog brought to a shelter, vet, or government facility like a police station under suspicious circumstances is checked for a microchip. Collar ID tags can be easily removed, but a microchip will make your dog fairly easy to identify for anyone who checks. Some owners even go as far as tattooing identification on their dog so that it can’t be removed.

Don’t Leave Your Pup Outside Unattended

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

This rule doesn’t just apply to tying your dog up outside of a store while you quickly run in. It also applies to your backyard. Thieves are often on the prowl at night when it’s dark, but plenty of dogs have also been taken in broad daylight. You need to make sure you’re keeping an eye on your dog when they’re outside.

A Fence Helps, But It’s Not Perfect

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

A fence that blocks outsiders’ view of your dog is a good step in defending them from the eyes of dognappers, but it’s not a perfect solutions. Thieves can easily hop a fence or just open the gate if it is unlocked, as many are. Make sure you’re still keeping an eye on your dog every time they go outside. If you have a “Beware of Dog” sign on your fence, just know that this clues dognappers in to the fact that there is a potential target behind your gate.

Don’t Leave Your Dog In The Car

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

If you like to bring your pup along for a car ride while you run into a store, hold off on that ride until you can go somewhere that your dog is welcome. Do not leave your dog in the car. Not only does it get hot in cars very quickly, putting your dog at risk, but it allows dognappers a perfect view of your pup with no one around to stop them. If you leave the window open a crack thinking you’ll give your dog fresh air, you’ve made it one step easier for a dognapper. Leave your pup at home and take them for a car ride to the dog park later.

Be Wary Of Strangers Who Ask For Too Many Details

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

All dog owners like to talk about their pups, but be careful around strangers who start asking you questions about how much you paid for the dog, if they’re a purebred, if they’re spayed/neutered, and details about your exact address. Meeting new people is great, but these questions should be red flags for you, and it’s best to just move on.

Report Any Suspicious Cars Or People

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

Always keep an eye out for cars or trucks that linger a little too long around houses in your neighborhood that have dogs, and watch out for people who you haven’t seen in your neighborhood before. Dognappers in Illinois recently posed as animal control officers and drove around in a white van stealing dogs. Don’t let this happen to you. If you are suspicious, you should call authorities. If those people are supposed to be there, the police can find out and get to the bottom of it.

Adopt, Don’t Shop, Especially Through Online Ads

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

One of the main reasons dognappers exist is because it is profitable. By buying online through sites like Craigslist, you could very well be supporting a dognapper, which means you’ll be keeping them in business, and they might come for your dog next. Adopt from a real shelter or rescue group and never from someone asking for a large sum of money or a “re-homing fee.”

Be Extra Cautious With Purebred Dogs

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

In addition to dogs that haven’t been spayed or neutered, thieves can get way more cash for a purebred dog than a mutt. Purebreds are more popular, especially among people who would pay good money to own a dog instead of adopting one. If you have a purebred dog, you need to be extra vigilant.

What other tips do you have for people who want to protect their dogs from dognappers? Let us know in the comments below!